That's about what Canberra families are forking out for some of the most luxurious south coast holiday rentals during the busiest, and most expensive, time to hit the seaside this summer.

But while holiday rental agents noticed there had been strong demand for the region's high-end properties, they said the majority of visitors just wanted a house, with a barbecue, that was near the beach.

South Coast Property Specialists principal Carlene Franzen said most tenants this time of year were repeat occupants from Canberra, Sydney and western NSW.

"We've got people who'll come and they'll love a property and make it their holiday home and come down not just after Christmas but weekends through the year."

LJ Hooker Malua Bay holiday manager Ebony Chambers said demand for prestigious rentals was strong, but interest in the agency's 50 holiday properties had been steady across the board this year.

"They're mainly going for modern properties, with a pool, that are close to the beach," she said.

Among the most exclusive properties available was 6 Iluka Avenue, in Malua Bay, a north-facing waterfront home within a stone's throw of the beach with sweeping bay views.

It sleeps 13 people in its three bedrooms and guest house and was rented during New Year's week for $5000. Outside that week, but still during peak season, the house costs $4000 a week.

At nearby Lilli Pilli, holiday-makers could rent a well-known property locals call The Castle, a traditionally styled four-bedroom house that fronts Circuit Beach, for $3500 a week in peak season.

The house has a heated indoor pool, an indoor lift, a spa room off the main bedroom and a library. In low season it can be snapped up for considerably less, at $1500 a week.

For $5500, holidaymakers could consider the picture-perfect, 1.2-hectare Warrane estate not far from the shore and shops at north Batemans Bay.

The country-style homestead and guesthouse sleeps up to 13 people, is reached by a tree-lined driveway and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and croquet lawns.

LJ Hooker Broulee property investment manager Lexie Nunn said most families were in the market for something a bit simpler that would cost about $2000.

Two of the most expensive properties on her books were a modern beach cottage with guest house near South Broulee Beach for $2200 a week, and a contemporary weekender for the same price, also in Broulee.

"They want to be as close as they can to the beach. They want to be within walking distance," Ms Nunn said.

"They don't really want to be in the high-end stuff because they don't really want to spend much time in the house."

Among the most affordable houses available this time of year was a two-bedroom beach shack at Tomakin for $1300 a week, she said.